QuoteFor the first time, scientists have observed ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos.
QuoteOn September 14, 2015 at 5:51 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (09:51 UTC), the twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors, located in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington, USA both measured ripples in the fabric of spacetime – gravitational waves – arriving at the Earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. The new Advanced LIGO detectors had just been brought into operation for their first observing run when the very clear and strong signal was captured.
https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/detection
O0
I saw that but don't fully grasp the implications.
It says something like, "we saw ripples in time-space."
But other than images of the USS Enterprise looping around the sun to go back to 1930's Earth, I have no idea what that really means.
Barth, I realize you don't think Pluto is a planet, so your credentials are pretty shaky, but if you happen to have some thoughts you can share that don't involve the integrity of our 9th planet, I'd like to hear your thoughts.
If you read the press release, attached here, it will give you a better idea of why this is important.
TL;DR It's another experimental observation that proves Einstein was a very smart guy and that his theory of general relativity, that leads to E=mc2, is correct.
I assume it has to do less with Einstein's theory and more to do with Pluto being a planet.
Always with the negative waves
Barth is in the house rocking it!
^ :o :o :o
It's got the potential to shake up the top 40.
Luddites..... go back to dancing around your firepits..... :P
Naked or with loin clothes?
Have you figured out how to make a loin cloth yet? ???
Well we did receive vital knowledge from the Anunnaki. I'm sure it's in there somewhere.
Quote from: Barthheart on February 11, 2016, 01:23:51 PM
Have you figured out how to make a loin cloth yet? ???
Bison likes to wear his as a hat.
Somehow, someway, someone will turn this into a liberal plot to ruin the economy.
Screw them. I think this is cool.
Quote from: DoctorQuest on February 11, 2016, 01:34:58 PM
Somehow, someway, someone will turn this into a liberal plot to ruin the economy.
Screw them. I think this is cool.
Uh...ok...
Quote from: mirth on February 11, 2016, 01:31:03 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 11, 2016, 01:23:51 PM
Have you figured out how to make a loin cloth yet? ???
Bison likes to wear his as a hat.
Daniel Boone stole my concept before I could submit my patent and subsequently ruin the economy, and declassify Pluto as a planet.
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 01:38:33 PM
Quote from: DoctorQuest on February 11, 2016, 01:34:58 PM
Somehow, someway, someone will turn this into a liberal plot to ruin the economy.
Screw them. I think this is cool.
Uh...ok...
It's them negative waves, man!
All this talk of waves makes me want to watch Point Break.
This is definitely a liberal plot to ruin the economy.
I want my cut of the gravitational wave stash!
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 01:03:36 PM
Barth is in the house rocking it!
Didn't Nickleback do a cover of this a couple of years back?
not that im underwhelmed, but have all the scientists secretly been having 'yeah fk Einstein and his e=mc2' meetings' - was the theory ever in doubt for them now to be all 'he was RIGHT!!!'
That's sounds like a right-wing conspiracy to me.
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 02:54:30 PM
That's sounds like a right-wing conspiracy to me.
Made vaster by the radio waves beamed into someone's head instructing her to put a server in her bathroom.
On a serious note: it'd be pretty interesting to see how they isolated this particular observation especially given the amount of time the event is theorized to have happen in and years ago. A fraction of a second, billions of years ago.
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 03:00:12 PM
On a serious note: it'd be pretty interesting to see how they isolated this particular observation especially given the amount of time the event is theorized to have happen in and years ago. A fraction of a second, billions of years ago.
Bah, humbug.
I'm holding out for them to announce time travel. Then we can all road trip with Barth over to Pluto to watch it being made as a planet. Can't wait to post a pic of his face when he realizes he was wrong.
Quote from: LongBlade on February 11, 2016, 02:56:55 PM
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 02:54:30 PM
That's sounds like a right-wing conspiracy to me.
Made vaster by the radio waves beamed into someone's head instructing her to put a server in her bathroom.
How else were they supposed to wipe the servers in case of an emergency without quick access to paper and water?
<chuckle>
Well played.
Quote from: LongBlade on February 11, 2016, 03:02:44 PM
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 03:00:12 PM
On a serious note: it'd be pretty interesting to see how they isolated this particular observation especially given the amount of time the event is theorized to have happen in and years ago. A fraction of a second, billions of years ago.
Bah, humbug.
I'm holding out for them to announce time travel. Then we can all road trip with Barth over to Pluto to watch it being made as a planet. Can't wait to post a pic of his face when he realizes he was wrong.
Not gonna happen... in my time anyway... ;)
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 03:00:12 PM
On a serious note: it'd be pretty interesting to see how they isolated this particular observation especially given the amount of time the event is theorized to have happen in and years ago. A fraction of a second, billions of years ago.
Read the press release I attached up above. It explains how it was done really well. Short version = lasers and shit.
Quote from: undercovergeek on February 11, 2016, 02:53:27 PM
not that im underwhelmed, but have all the scientists secretly been having 'yeah fk Einstein and his e=mc2' meetings' - was the theory ever in doubt for them now to be all 'he was RIGHT!!!'
Theories are just fancy guesses until someone can show it works in the universe at large. This results show it in spades.
O0
Quote from: Barthheart on February 11, 2016, 03:36:14 PM
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 03:00:12 PM
On a serious note: it'd be pretty interesting to see how they isolated this particular observation especially given the amount of time the event is theorized to have happen in and years ago. A fraction of a second, billions of years ago.
Read the press release I attached up above. It explains how it was done really well. Short version = lasers and shit.
No I mean more specifically how they separated out all the other static to pin point this singular event.
The EPA now claims it has jurisdiction to regulate Gravitational Waves. And Lasers and Shit too. C:-)
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 11, 2016, 04:42:00 PM
The EPA now claims it has jurisdiction to regulate Gravitational Waves. And Lasers and Shit too. C:-)
Turns out gravity is a key contributor to Global Warming. Holding in all those warming atmospheric gasses like it does.
Quote from: Bison on February 11, 2016, 03:00:12 PM
On a serious note: it'd be pretty interesting to see how they isolated this particular observation especially given the amount of time the event is theorized to have happen in and years ago. A fraction of a second, billions of years ago.
http://www.space.com/31913-how-scientists-detected-gravitational-waves-ligo.html
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/nsf-s-ligo-has-detected-gravitational-waves
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/gravitational-wave-detection-heralds-new-era-of-science-0211201644/
From Sky and Telescope :
LIGO consists of two L-shaped facilities, one near Hanford, Washington, and the other near Livingston, Louisiana. At 5:51 a.m. (EDT) on September 14, 2015, both labs caught the gravitational-wave signature of two colliding black holes, shortly after both facilities were turned on following five years of intensive upgrades.
With only two detectors, LIGO can't pinpoint the source's exact location or host galaxy — it could come from anywhere within about 600 square degrees of sky, somewhere near the Large Magellanic Cloud in the Southern Hemisphere sky. Nor can they exactly pinpoint its distance, but measurements show the source lies between 700 million and 1.6 billion light-years away.
Based on the signal's amplitude (that is, the height of the gravitational wave), team members estimate that the colliding black holes had the masses of about 36 and 29 Suns, respectively. Milliseconds before they merged, these behemoths spun around each other at nearly the speed of light. LIGO watched all three predicted phases of the collision: the black holes' death spiral and ensuring merger, as well as the ringing of the merged object as it settled into its new form.
I actually predicted this would happen as well, but I had the date pegged as 15 March. If you let E=67.36212.567.5 you get 15 March for the answer.
I probably forgot to carry a 1, which is why I was a bit off.
ooooo just one day off steak and blowjob day - so close
So....? 2 Black holes have merged... so what? Does it mean anything to non theoretical physicists, other than you can detect gravitational waves? ::)
It means Toonces needs a space suit to match the graphics on his surfboard.
Quote from: Boggit on February 11, 2016, 06:03:35 PM
So....? 2 Black holes have merged... so what? Does it mean anything to non theoretical physicists, other than you can detect gravitational waves? ::)
All knowledge gained is for the good of the human race. There are no direct applications right now, but who knows where this discovery will lead.
Plus some of the spin off knowledge from just being able to detect the waves could filter down to you life.
Quote from: Barthheart on February 11, 2016, 07:19:45 PM
All knowledge gained is for the good of the human race.
That is patently untrue.
There are certain things that take place between Gus and Mirth and Star that no one on the planet can benefit from knowing.
Haters gonna hate.
Quote from: mirth on February 11, 2016, 04:46:34 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 11, 2016, 04:42:00 PM
The EPA now claims it has jurisdiction to regulate Gravitational Waves. And Lasers and Shit too. C:-)
Turns out gravity is a key contributor to Global Warming. Holding in all those warming atmospheric gasses like it does.
Damn you gravity! Why are you destroying the Earth?
At last, they've proven plausible my theory of where the missing socks in the dryer go. The tear in space leads to The Missing Sock Dimension. My only question is will Gravitational Waves make Boobies bigger? Gravity is the natural enemy of Boobies you know.
^ As usual, Sir Slash cuts to the essence of the scientific method... ::) O0
Quote from: Toonces on February 11, 2016, 11:25:13 PM
^ As usual, Sir Slash cuts to the essence of the scientific method... ::) O0
Gravity sags boobs. Gravity must be stopped.
In the right place at the right time saggy boobs are ok
Just saggy, not like a pair of spaniels ears or anything
Quote from: Barthheart on February 11, 2016, 07:19:45 PM
Quote from: Boggit on February 11, 2016, 06:03:35 PM
So....? 2 Black holes have merged... so what? Does it mean anything to non theoretical physicists, other than you can detect gravitational waves? ::)
All knowledge gained is for the good of the human race. There are no direct applications right now, but who knows where this discovery will lead.
Plus some of the spin off knowledge from just being able to detect the waves could filter down to you life.
I guess this is an new way to 'look' at the universe. It can detect objects (e.g dark matter, colliding black holes,...) we couldn't detect until now.
Scientists have relied primarily on observations with electromagnetic radiation (visible light, x-rays, radio waves, microwaves, etc.) to learn about and understand objects and phenomena in the Universe. Each of these sources of information provides scientists with a different and complementary view of the universe, with exciting new discoveries occurring as each new window has been discovered. Gravitational waves are not electromagnetic radiation. They are a completely different phenomena, carrying information about cosmic objects and events that is not carried by electromagnetic radiation.
There are no direct applications for our daily lives but for scientists this is massive. For real scientific use however we will need more LIGO detectors.
It is mindblowing to know that Einstein predicted this 100 years ago using only his brain and it took the rest of the world 100 years to come up with the technology to confirm his findings.
Quote from: Barthheart on February 11, 2016, 07:19:45 PM
Quote from: Boggit on February 11, 2016, 06:03:35 PM
So....? 2 Black holes have merged... so what? Does it mean anything to non theoretical physicists, other than you can detect gravitational waves? ::)
All knowledge gained is for the good of the human race. There are no direct applications right now, but who knows where this discovery will lead.
Plus some of the spin off knowledge from just being able to detect the waves could filter down to you life.
in wargaming terms: its a new tier opened up: "Gravitation Wave Astronomy"
strange things will bee seen in the universe and to understand those the theory of gravitation and the 3 other elementary forces have to be honed.
several great unification of the forces theories in the making can be better understood and brought to test by the exclusion principle, (sort out those that don't work to explain new things seen with the upcoming gravitation wave telescopes)
understanding the unification theory in the (very) long run there could be be a way to 'produce' (or maybe even counter) gravitational force without the need of large masses.
now the spin offs:
- a gravitation wave sensor array (kind of a passive Sonar) that can track large moving objects just by the gravitation wake they produce. we start with seeing ultra large stellar objects, asteroids, Super carriers and large commercial vessels, then down to tanks, trucks, cars ...and finally (fat)persons,
...theoretical this can go down to elementary particles in a lab experimental set up (now quantum effect get into play and then it get really interesting wired twisted .... i have to discuss it with Sheldon in the canteen ;) )
- we get a bust in all kind of laser interferometry, so better measurements for all scientific and technical disciplines
Gravity sags boobs. Gravity must be stopped. Mirth
It's the Law.
What Mike and Pete said.
One side effect of this achievement -- although it still won't immediately translate into practical applications -- is that it helps strengthen models of astrophysics which rely primarily on relatively weak gravitational interactions to explain phenomena instead of models relying primarily on electromagnetic forces (which are vastly much stronger than gravitational forces and so which, consequently, we understand a lot better because we can study them more directly). One of the more obscure scientific problems is why gravitational forces (apparently) make so much more difference than electromagnetics at the macro-level. Not that electromagnetics make no difference at all -- they make a huge difference, too -- but our primary models have been gravitational instead.
Putting it another way, for more than a hundred years already we've had tools that can measure electromagnetic behavior directly. You can buy them in stores at no great cost, or make them yourself following some (relatively) simple instructions if you have some (relatively) simple parts.
This is the first operational success of a tool which relates to observing gravity forces like an ohm meter that you can buy down at Dollar General or build in a Lego kit. The reason we're able to talk to each other on an internet forum right now is because we can detect and gauge and manipulate and generate electromagnetic forces so well that you can buy something like that or a kit for a child to make one, so easily.
This measurement is literally the first step (after many decades of even trying to learn how to take that first step) on a similar path of development -- a path similar to what led us to me typing this out on a Surface Pro 3, that was inexpensive enough (despite its power) for me to buy, and that people understood enough to create and make work properly (or properly enough for me not to send the thing back for a refund anyway. ;) )
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgs.xkcd.com%2Fcomics%2Fgravitational_waves.png&hash=805037a8585707b9921a311ba0bb983c3bcde340)
It quite literally opens up a new field of magic, in other words. (Where magic == being able to contribute effects into natural history beyond what the natural system would have produced, or would have otherwise produced, from its own automatic ping-ponging and fluxing reactions and counter-reactions.)
Re dark matter, and dark energy for that matter: those are sort of placeholders saying that we've learned that our primary astrophysics models are somehow hugely wrong -- although right enough that we can figure out now the degree to which they're hugely wrong somehow. In our current models, the way the universe observably behaves requires vastly (and I mean VASTLY) much more electromagnetic energy and more mass, than our observations otherwise can account for (even with black holes in the mix -- one theory thus being that there are vastly many more black holes than our standard models predict).
Gravity forces aren't electromagnetic forces, but do interact with them a lot. We shouldn't expect ahead of time that learning how to do with gravity what we've learned how to do with electromagnetism, will surely help shine a light on this inferred mass and inferred energy -- we might eventually learn instead that our mistake is more fundamental than that, expecting mass and/or electromagnetic energy to be part of the account in that way or to that degree. Or we might find the missing (but inferred) mass and energy that we can't detect yet (thus "dark") but which is making so very, very, very much difference in how our universe works. We might even discover both how to detect the inferred but unobserved mass and/or energy AND ALSO that we're including them wrongly in our models for how the universe work (and maybe should be including something else instead). We just don't know yet.
It also puts us one step closer to joining the 'others' of the Fermi Paradox (http://waitbutwhy.com/2014/05/fermi-paradox.html).
Quote from: bbmike on February 12, 2016, 09:26:53 AM
It also puts us one step closer to joining the 'others' of the Fermi Paradox (http://waitbutwhy.com/2014/05/fermi-paradox.html).
So basically we're F**ked.
Not necessarily. This could provide us with the knowledge to get past The Great Filter. O0
Quote from: Barthheart on February 12, 2016, 10:25:10 AM
Not necessarily. This could provide us with the knowledge to get past The Great Filter. O0
So we can finally reach Sha Ka Ree?
Quote from: mirth on February 12, 2016, 10:35:52 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 12, 2016, 10:25:10 AM
Not necessarily. This could provide us with the knowledge to get past The Great Filter. O0
So we can finally reach Sha Ka Ree?
Filter not Barrier.... :P
You know, 300 years ago, you all would have been burned at the stake. :buck2:
Well we are going to need to throw Barth into a pool of water. If he floats he's a liar, if he sinks then he's telling the truth.
Quote from: Bison on February 12, 2016, 12:11:39 PM
Well we are going to need to throw Barth into a pool of water. If he floats he's a liar, if he sinks then he's telling the truth.
That sounds like it would delay our
DC3:Barba match. :buck2:
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 12, 2016, 11:13:57 AM
You know, 300 years ago, you all would have been burned at the stake. :buck2:
you say that like they won't be anyway today
That depends on whether they wear their 1940s pin-up girl collage shirts or not.
Can't do it today- Global Warming. Today Heretics are forced to move to Flint, Mich.
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2016, 12:28:58 PM
Quote from: Bison on February 12, 2016, 12:11:39 PM
Well we are going to need to throw Barth into a pool of water. If he floats he's a liar, if he sinks then he's telling the truth.
That sounds like it would delay our DC3:Barba match. :buck2:
:-[
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 12, 2016, 11:13:57 AM
You know, 300 years ago, you all would have been burned at the stake. :buck2:
300 years ago we might have deserved it.
Quote from: Bison on February 12, 2016, 12:11:39 PM
Well we are going to need to throw Barth into a pool of water. If he floats he's a liar, if he sinks then he's telling the truth.
No, no, no.
This is the modern test. Put him in a room with a brand new, unpunched wargame and a counter clipper.
If he clips, he's a witch.
Quote from: Bison on February 12, 2016, 10:02:02 AM
Quote from: bbmike on February 12, 2016, 09:26:53 AM
It also puts us one step closer to joining the 'others' of the Fermi Paradox (http://waitbutwhy.com/2014/05/fermi-paradox.html).
So basically we're F**ked.
Having just finished reading Guns, Germs, and Steel I have to say that I'm quite pleased we're being left to our own devices.
Quote from: LongBlade on February 12, 2016, 03:24:25 PM
Having just finished reading Guns, Germs, and Steel I have to say that I'm quite pleased we're being left to our own devices.
I'm gonna write my own book about what makes humanity go 'round.
It'll be called
Boobs, Beer, and Bling.
And I will pack it with at least a little pretension. ^-^
Where can I pick-up a copy?
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 13, 2016, 11:21:52 PM
Where can I pick-up a copy?
It'll come bundled with The Anarchist's Cookbook, in PDF format, from a yet undisclosed location. Rated: Top Secret Ninja Shit.
That will self-destruct in 10 seconds.
I clearly am not playing enough Sci-Fi games... :-[